20 Best Casual Restaurants in Melbourne

They call Embla a wine bar, but it is so much more. Yes, this loud and dark Melbourne favorite has a buzzing bar and great (mostly natural, but not too extreme) wines. However, it also offers ambitious dishes, many of them cooked in an impressive wood-fired oven. I tried crispy chicken skin with whipped anchovies, wood-roasted scallops, snapper carpaccio, spatchcock poussin with lemon and capers, and Barley koji crème caramel – all of which were great and they also offer plenty of interesting plant-based options. The atmosphere is upbeat and inspiring with informal but professional service, good playlist as a nice bonus. No wonder it was also the choice of The Obamas.

Tonka will alter the way you view Indian cuisine. Modern yet traditional, experimental and considered, flavourful and always memorable. The desserts here are exceptional. One of my favourites from the Flinders Lane precinct.

Carlton is known for its Italian cuisine but if you've only got time to indulge in one carb-laden feast while here, please make it Capitano. Their pizzas are more of a focaccia style base (sensational in my opinion) and their rigatoni in vodka sauce is a go-to. And yes, you're obviously going to order the tiramisu. What do you think this is? Amateur hour! X

Have you been obsessing over that crab omelette at Jay Fai you saw on Netflix? This version, made at the mighty Jinda, might well be the closest you'll get in Melbourne this winter. It's not rolled, and not nearly so crabby, but it’s pretty damned great nonetheless. The best Thai restaurant in Melbourne? Quite probably. And a real leader in vegan Thai options.

The best souvlaki in Australia! Or the pork gyros platter, the dakos salad, and the dips. Pro-tip: you'll want to order a second pita bread.

The signature “stir-fried up” pho bo from famed Hanoi noodle shop Pho Thin. They’ve just arrived in Melbourne having rocked it back in Vietnam for 40 years with their idiosyncratic take on pho. The beef is tossed in a wok before it goes in the soup, the onion is green rather than white, and bean sprouts are verboten. Liked it. I think it’s different to anything else in town, and definitely worth a look. What I really like is that unlike most pho shops in Australia they offer what they call Vietnamese doughnuts (and what I’d call youtiao) on the side for the dippins.

If the views over Port Phillip Bay aren’t enough to tempt you into this glorious, light-filled space - the food certainly will be. Atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, desserts are a standout. Perfect for a long lunch to enjoy the impressive views the restaurant boats.

Legit one of the best Sichuan restaurants in Melbourne. By the Dainty crew. The marinated cold chicken and the off menu meatball and pickled chilli broth is outstanding.

This place is an absolute cracker! Think elevated pub food, an ever-evolving seasonal menu, a solid wine list and a whole lot of ‘old world charm’ meets new world gentrification. This place is absolutely worth your time.

Sister to one of my favourite restaurants, Cutler & Co, this place is chilled, more casual, has a fabulous wine list and is far more affordable. Not to be missed x.

Now look - anywhere that allows you to BYO champagne (nb. only on certain days) has got to be the crème de la crème of restaurants, right?! I mean have you ever heard of anything more magnificent? No, I didn’t think so. But that aside - the waiters and their accents are gorgeous (they’re French so that shouldn’t come as a surprise) and the food is, well, French. So it’s rich, traditional and flavourful. Basically, the place is divine. It’s a Melbourne institution. Book ahead, it tends to fill up x

Let’s talk about another Melbourne institution offering an efficient (and delicious) take-away menu during the crisis we know (and loathe) as COVID-19. Chin Chin is offering a small selection of their most loved dishes to soften the blow and accompany our mid week #Netflix binges. Their standout dish for me is their RENDANG - it’s bloody sensational. Avoid the roti - it doesn’t travel well. I’ve found most things to be easily reheated and the curries, of course, taste even better the following day. So, order up and support local!

Pick up a quick and easy kimbap, punch up your meal with house-made kimchis, annul and other side dishes. Hit the fridges for cooked, transitional, home style dishes to heat at home.

Best brunch place in Melbourne!I am still dreaming of the ricotta pancakes to this day, they were the best I’ve ever had!

Really fun Japanese restaurant in MelbourneAmazing bao bunsGreat atmosphere Funky decorations Groups of friends vibes

I have to stop and remind myself occasionally that I live in the same city as the best la zi ji in Australia. I love you, Dainty; I love you, Chongqing chicken.

You head to this place for one thing and one thing only...their vegan ice cream. It’s bloody delicious. All plant based, ever changing flavours, kick-ass additions such as fudge sauce and brownies. You feel healthier ordering it....the pleasure without the guilt x